First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville
shelbyville, kentucky
Read the story by Presbyterian News Service.
Yvonne was in second grade when her mother signed her up to participate in a tutoring sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, Kentucky. She worked with her tutor until she finished eighth grade, when she received a full scholarship to a private girls’ high school. Now Yvonne is in college on a full scholarship and is tutoring in the program that helped her succeed in school.
José was also a second grader when his teacher suggested he attend the Monday night tutoring program sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. José, now a high school freshman, also volunteers as a tutor – to a second-grader.
As children, Yvonne and José came to Shelbyville with their families, and many other families, from Central America. Their parents were seeking work in the agricultural and horse industries. The local public school teachers welcomed these eager new students from families who supported and encouraged their children’s education. However, the teachers also recognized the language barrier and the need for one-on-one help with literacy and reading comprehension.
In 2002 Joanne Burke, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, had a conversation with her pastor. What could their congregation of 225 members do to help? Her pastor raised the question with other clergy in town. Was there something they could do together? Their first step was to pray for guidance. Their next step was to create a plan.
With seed money from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville created Arriba Niños, a literacy and tutoring program for the community. From the start the program provided an evening meal, tutoring and transportation from the home of each child to the tutoring site.
This program quickly became a collaboration of four congregations in the community: Centenary Methodist Church, Annunciation Roman Catholic Church, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and First Presbyterian Church. Members volunteer to tutor and provide meals; early on, they also provided transportation for the weekly program.
The four congregations covenanted to work together on what began as a literacy program and has since evolved into a tutoring program. Diane Cook, the current executive director remembers, “People just said ‘Yes I will help!’ Members from all four congregations continue to live their faith by their witness to the children. We love one another and care for one another. Together we make a difference for these children and in our community.”
The public schools system has been a key partner through the entire process. The public school teachers identify and invite children in grades one through eight who might benefit from the program and introduce the program to their parents.
Faun Fishback, a member of First Christian congregation, was one of the first volunteers. She remembers that the Presbyterians provided the seed money for a program that has been such a blessing in her life and, she hopes, in the lives of the children. “I want the children to be successful, and providing one-on-one assistance makes a difference – and it’s rewarding! These are smart children with a language barrier, and we can help remove that barrier. This program has created a community committed to success of these children. Their success is our community’s success.”
Diane continues to be excited about the program and the success of the students. “We see the students finish school, get jobs and go on to college. They are successful and they, in turn, give back to the community. Being a part of the program is very rewarding for everyone involved.”
Read the story by Presbyterian News Service.
All photos courtesy of First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, KY.
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